Firearm cleaning device

ABSTRACT

A gun cleaning and safety device stored and transported inside the barrels of a gun, excluding live ammunition during transport. The device has a locking extendable ramrod ( 22,24 ), which accommodates a ramrod tip ( 26 ) designed to increase the surface area of a disposable cleaning element. The base of each unit has a cartridge-like end ( 10 ) which contains a pin ( 12 ), a spring ( 14 ), a container ( 16 ) for oil and/or solvent and serves as a handle for its ramrod. Cartridge-like end ( 10,12,14 ) allows the innocuous release of a gun&#39;s hammer when a live cartridge is not present in the chamber.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to guns, specifically to an improved cleaning andsafety device for firearms.

2. Description of Prior Art

Previously guns were cleaned with implements that had to be left at homeor carried separately from the firearm. Gun stores and gun cataloguesoffer cleaning kits for removing the residue left behind from burnedgunpowder. One kit consists of a ramrod with a loop at the end. Anotherdevice consists of a ramrod surrounded with wool or “wooly rod”. Afterrepeated uses the “wooly rod” is too filthy to hold additional soot andis ineffective. An effective cleaning of the cleaning kit is notpractical and the wooly rod becomes useless.

A striker cartridge or “snap cap” (which does not clean a shotgun) is adevice that allows the hammer inside the shotgun to release withoutdamaging the hammer or firing pin. Gun cleaning ramrods, oil, cleaningsolvent and striker cartridges are sold separately.

My firearm cleaning device incorporates the best aspects of a ramrodwith a loop at the end, oil and/or solvent containers, strikercartridges and is shaped to be carried in the barrel of a gun.Originally the ramrod (with a loop at the end) for placing a patchusually made out of absorbent cloth was the preferred way to clean thebarrels of shotguns. However the patch placed in the barrel is too smallto remove the considerable amount of gunpowder residue that tends toaccumulate and a new patch would have to be applied several times tocomplete the job.

In my firearm cleaning device the loop tip of a ramrod and a largerdisposable cleaning element, such as a paper towel, can be used toremove more soot faster and with less effort. The striker cartridgealong with a reservoir for holding oil and/or cleaning solvent serves asa handle for the ramrod and all can be stored inside the barrel of agun.

In the instance of a double barreled shotgun both units of this firearmcleaning device can be carried in the firearm. This allows the owner ofa gun to have a storage compartment for both oil and cleaning solvent,which creates a convenient way to clean a firearm after using it.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Patterson, U.S. Pat. No. 470,254(1892), in that my device does not have a rod with a shouldered knob ora spiral thread formed around the ramrod. My firearm cleaning device hasa locking extendable ramrod, which accommodates a ramrod tip designed toincrease the surface area of a disposable cleaning element.

My firearm cleaning device differs from True, U.S. Pat. No. 852,748(1907), Gardner, U.S. Pat. No. 2,616,109 (1952), Goodwin, U.S. Pat. No.2,897,525 (1953), Ingalls, U.S. Pat. No. 3,137,957 (1964), Malesky etal., U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,627 (1983), Williams et al. U.S. Pat. No.4,716,673 (1988), Black et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,125 and Yeadon, U.S.Pat. No. 5,074,074 (1991) in that my firearm cleaning device does nothave an elongated flexible shaft or cable. My firearm cleaning device isstored inside the barrel of a gun and has a built in striker-cartridgein the end of the ramrod.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Southgate, U.S. Pat. No.1,067,383 (1913) and Geltner, U.S. Pat. No. 2,744,275 (1956) in that thelocking mechanism of my device's rod are different. Southgate's lockingmechanism which is employed for each of its several sections will failthe moment the user applies a clockwise with pushing motion. To cleanthe barrel of a firearm without twisting the ramrod is unrealistic.Geltner's rod locking mechanism works on only one side of his ramrod'ssections the moment pressure is applied to the other side of any of theramrod's sections they won't work.

My firearm cleaning device differs from McGavisk, U.S. Pat. No.1,229,991 (1917) in that my device does not have a threaded rodconnected to a disk, or a means for closing the muzzle end of a gun'sbarrel to prevent oil from leaking out of the barrel. My device does notinclude or need an oil retainer for the barrel of a gun.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Olberding, U.S. Pat. No.1,526,177 (1925) in that my device does not have coaction catches at themeeting ends to hold a rod in either the extended or contracted positionor a screw stem for securing a patch.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Belding, U.S. Pat. No. 1,532,223(1925) and Eckert, U.S. Pat. No. 3,286,293 (1966) in that my device doesnot have a stop collar or stop means for its ramrod. Belding or Eckert'sinvention would be superfluous in conjunction with my device.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Dake, U.S. Pat. No. 1,665,257(1928) in that Dake shows the cleaning patch detachable, whereas thepatch in my device is held to rod.

My gun cleaning device differs from Jack, U.S. Pat. No. 2,405,308 (1946)in that my device does not have a metallic shell element provided with aplunger in a bore or a design having the same weight as a livecartridge. My device is designed not to be mistaken for a live roundwhich eliminates the possibility of deadly consequences for its owner.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Hoard, U.S. Pat. No. 2,594,778(1952) and Doyle, U.S. Pat. No. 2,985,979 (1961) because both showmoisture reduction and rust prevention methods, which incorporatesplugs, a far different invention than mine.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Huckabee, U.S. Pat. No.2,763,081 (1956), Healey et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,969,284 (1990) andBrown, U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,508 (1991) in that my firearm cleaning deviceis not a ridged locked-rod type of disabling or sealing device. Thestriker-cartridge aspect of Healey's firearm cleaning device is aresilient material, whereas mine is spring operated.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Lewis et al., U.S. Pat. No.3,208,302 (1965) because by device does not contain a releasable lockingmechanism in its handle. My device is designed to obviate the need of aswivel handle in its ramrod.

My firearm cleaning device differs from McConnell, U.S. Pat. No.3,564,746 (1971) in that my device does not have a plunger or a cap thatcan be unscrewed if the plunger needs to be replaced because of damageby repeated use. My device contains a pin that is non deforming anddesigned not to need replacement. McConnell's invention does not have arim around the breech end, is positioned by hand and is hand-held duringuse as a snap cap substitute.

My firearm cleaning device differs from DiProspero, U.S. Pat. No.4,010,565 (1977) in that my firearm cleaning device does not have a tipend which is received in a cylindrical member, having a reduced sizecylindrical end, for fitting into a cylindrical cup. My firearm cleaningdevice has a collapsible rod and stores oil and or solvent instead ofpatches in the handle. My firearm cleaning device is designed to bestored inside the barrel of a gun and has a built in striker cartridgein the handle of the ramrod.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Cech, U.S. Pat. No. 4,100,693(1978) in that Cech's claim 1 has an impact element arrangedeccentrically to the cartridge jacket's longitudinal axis, and theimpact element is rotatably mounted in this opening. In addition Cechfurther claims a cartridge jacket wall with openings and a sleeve-likeinsert. The sleeve like insert contains a known chemical substancediffusing a corrosion-preventing gas, is replaceably mounted within thegenerally tubular side wall, and supplied to at least one additionalopening serving to feed the gas to the breech area of a shotgun. Cechhas no attachment for oil or cleaning solvent containers, no two pieceextendable ramrod and no rod tip to accommodate a disposable cleaningelement.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Jurich, III, U.S. Pat. No.4,195,381 (1980), Zurek et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,137 (1988), Stephan,U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,509 (1991), and Selleck, U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,998(1991), in that my firearm cleaning device does not have an attachedbrush(s), a plurality of short, parallel shafts which are mechanicallycoupled to a triangularly shaped adaptor, a drive unit with drivewheels, a mechanism on a head segment for cleaning the magazine receiverof a pistol or a gun cleaning rod with a swivel handle. My firearmcleaning device is stored inside the barrel of a gun and has a built instriker cartridge in the handle of the ramrod.

My firearm cleaning device differs from DiProspero, U.S. Pat. No.4,222,142 (1980) in that my firearm cleaning device is not amulti-functional tip for a cleaning rod. My firearm cleaning device doesnot claim the diverging bristle patterns claimed by DiProspero.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Carlton, U.S. Pat. No. 4,291,477(1981) in that my firearm cleaning device does not compress a spongeouscleaning element between one end of a hollow annular compression sleeveand a retaining member. My firearm cleaning device is designed to bestored inside the barrel of a gun, has a built in striker-cartridge, andstorage compartments for oil and/or cleaning solvents in the handle ofthe ramrod and uses a ramrod with a disposable cleaning surface.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Rupp et al., U.S. Pat. No.4,315,780 (1982) in that my firearm cleaning device is not a liquidcomposition.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Beers, U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,632(1982), Blase, U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,750 (1989), Blase, U.S. Pat. No.4,998,368 (1991), and Shi, U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,744 (1994) in that myfirearm cleaning device does not use compressed gas or compressed fluidcartridges to propel cleaning wads through the barrel of a firearm. Myfirearm cleaning device uses a ramrod with a disposable cleaning surfaceattached by hand and is repeatedly moved back and forth inside thebarrel. Given any experience with cleaning firearms, it does not seemthat one pass or even several passes of a gas-or fluid-propelled wadwould do as effective cleaning job as my firearm cleaning device.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Izumi, U.S. Pat. No. 4,501,081(1985) in that my firearm cleaning device is not designed to replace thefiring pin of a gun. The firing pin is protected by a stroker-cartridgein my firearm cleaning device.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Bottomley, U.S. Pat. No.4,674,218 (1987) in that my firearm cleaning device does not have acleaning rod with a threaded inboard end cap which is sleevable upon therod and is threadable into the inboard bore so as to be walked intotight interengagement with the handle. My firearm cleaning device isdesigned to be stored inside the barrel of a gun, has a built instriker-cartridge, and storage compartments for oil and/or cleaningsolvents in the handle of the ramrod and uses a ramrod with a disposablecleaning surface.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Schneider, U.S. Pat. No.4,698,932 (1987) in that his firearm cleaning device varies in diameter,depending on direction of travel inside the barrel of a gun. My firearmcleaning device could clean the barrel of a gun in both directions ofrod travel.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Brown, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat. No.4,803,792 (1989), in that my firearm cleaning device is not guidablypositioned in a carrier sleeve which, at its front end, cooperates witha breech mounting plug to loosely limit its sidewise movement and whichat its back end cooperates with a close-clearance-defining bore of aplug-like guide sleeve.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Rivers, U.S. Pat. No. 4,866,871(1989) in that my firearm cleaning device does not have a rod mounted ina sleeve, a gun cleaning element attached to the rod or a mounting meansattached to the sleeve for slidably guiding the rod along a sleeve.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Stipp, U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,778(1989) in that I do not claim a foam-type disposable cleaning element.

My firearm cleaning device differs from French, U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,406(1990) in that my firearm cleaning device is not for a muzzle loadinggun and does not claim a ramrod of two different concentric materials.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Hsu, U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,465(1990) in that my firearm cleaning device does not have a plurality ofsection which are detachably interconnected with one another and whichcan be stored in its tubular casing.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Frigon et al., U.S. Pat. No.5,022,176 (1991) in that my firearm cleaning device is not an externalholding device for storing a ramrod on the barrel of a shotgun or otherfirearm. My firearm cleaning device is designed to be stored inside thebarrel of a gun.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Mekler, U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,925(1992), in that my firearm cleaning device uses a ramrod with adisposable cleaning surface attached by hand and is not a pull-throughdevice for cleaning gun barrels as Mekler shows.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Tellechea, U.S. Pat. No.5,204,483 (1993) in that my firearm cleaning device is not a shafthaving cylindrical members and bushings to prevent the shaft fromscraping the internal surface of the barrel during cleaning. My firearmcleaning device does not require bushings to prevent its shaft fromscraping the barrel of a gun because my firearm cleaning device's shaftis made from a material that will not harm metal. My firearm cleaningdevice is stored inside the barrel of a gun.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Peterson, U.S. Pat. No.5,233,124 (1993) in that my firearm cleaning device does not provide acartridge case simulator for which a bullet is to be positioned forsubsequent identification of a desired location relative to an intendedcorresponding cartridge case or a gauge shaft for reciprocal movementalong the axial aligned passage and duct.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Stengel, U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,705(1994) in that my firearm cleaning device does not provide a wire brushfor cleaning a firearm or a moveable handle so either end of the devicecan be used for cleaning. My firearm cleaning device is designed to ridewithin a gun's barrel, and provides storage for oil and/or solvent.Stengel does not provide protection of a firearm's firing pin fromdamage during cleaning; mine is a striker cartridge.

My firearm cleaning device differs from Darrow, U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,090(1995) in that Darrow shows an interrupted rim and a solid energyabsorbing core. Darrow has no attachment for oil or cleaning solventcontainers or a two piece extendable ramrod. Darrow's firearm cleaningdevice contains a top part tapped and threaded for a brush which is notpart of my firearm cleaning device.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

The Firearm Cleaning Device is designed to travel inside that barrels ofa firearm. The system contains either one or two units. Each unitcontains a cartridge-like end. The cartridge-like end accommodates a pinwhich is backed by a spring. The cartridge end (or stroker cartridge) isdesigned to absorb the motion of a firearm's hammer by giving the firingpin something to hit which has the similar amount of resistance as anactual live cartridge's primer. The benefits of this are:

1. the prevention of the gradual shearing of the firing pin from itsconnecting hammer.

2. the prevention of damage by deformation to the gun's hammer(s).

3. the prevention of possible deterioration to the (hammer and firingpin's) spring by allowing a safe and innocuous release of the spring'stension.

Further objects and advantages of this invention are:

(a) it provides a ramrod tip which will accommodate a disposablecleaning surface such as a paper towel;

(b) it provides more surface area for the disposable cleaning surface;

(c) it provides ease of use;

(d) it provides a built-in safety mechanism for shotguns;

(e) it provides a built-in striker cartridge;

(f) it provides built-in reservoirs for cleaning fluid; and

(g) it provides convenience for transportation.

DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the parts of the firearm cleaningdevice.

FIG. 2-A shows the firearm cleaning device in its extended position.

FIG. 2-B shows the firearm cleaning device in the compressed position.

FIG. 3 shows oil or chemical storage for another firearm barrel (such asa double-barreled shotgun).

Reference Numerals In Drawings 10 pin case 12 pin 14 spring 16 bottle 18washer 20 rod seat 22 rod 24 slip rod 26 rod tip 28 ring 50 fastener 54fastener 56 lock pin 58 lock spring 60 fastener 80 bottle 82 bottle top

DESCRIPTION—FIGS. 1 TO 3

The Firearm Cleaning Device consists of a pin case 10 which holds amovable pin 12. A spring 14 resides at the end of the pin 12 and boththe spring 14 and the pin 12 are housed by the pin case 10. The pin case10 together with a pin 12 and a spring 14 is connected to bottle 16. Thebottle 16 is fastened to the pin case 10 by fasteners 50. The bottle 16end is threaded and is connected to rod seat 20. A washer 18 made of asoft material resides inside rod seat 20. A rod 22 connects to the rodseat 20) . The rod 22 is fastened to the rod seat 20 by fastener 54. Theend of rod 22 (not connected to rod seat 20) contains a pin 50 56, aspring 52 58and fastener 60) , which keeps the spring 50) 58and pin 5256in place. The rod 22 is also connected to a slip rod 24. The slip rod24 is fastened to the rod 22 by fastener 64 62. A rod tip 26 connects tothe slip rod 24 by fastener 64. Ring 28 made from a soft materialresides on the outside end of the rod tip 26.

The accompanying unit of the Firearm Cleaning Device consists of a pincase 10 which holds a moveable pin 12. A spring 14 resides at the end ofthe pin 12 and both the spring 14 and the pin 12 are housed by the pincase 10. The pin case 10 together with pin 12 and spring 14 areconnected to bottle 16 80. The bottle 16 80is fastened to the pin case10 by fasteners 50. For a second barrel, pin case 10 together with pin12 and spring 14 (which are the same size and shape for both) areconnected to bottle 80 . The bottle's 16 80end is threaded and connectsto bottle top 82. The bottle top 80 82opens without being removed fromthe bottle 16 80.

OPERATION—FIGS. 1 TO 3

The striker cartridge (assembly of 10, 12, and 14) is connected tobottle 16 or 80 which can store any of several kinds of oils or cleaningsolvents. The oil, solvent or both oil and solvent can be used in unisonwith the other parts of the firearm cleaning device to effectively cleana firearm without carrying any additional materials to the location ofwhere the firearm is to be used. Each unit has a bottle connected to thestriker cartridge but one unit has a two-piece telescoping ramrod(assembly of 22, 24, and 26) which, in its extended and compressedpositions, is capable of being secured at various lengths by a twistingand locking method capable of force transmission in compression androtation, and locks in place using a double locking mechanism. Thetelescoping gives the unit's ramrod the additional length to allow it toeffectively cover the length of a gun's barrel. A knurled ramrod tipallows the user of any of a number of items that can be used as cleaningpatches (to remove soot) but paper towels are especially effective. Theramrod end includes a slotted opening for a cleaning patch or towel.

Since the firearm cleaning device is stored in the barrel of a firearm(such as a double-barrelled shotgun) when not in use, there is nopossibility of live rounds residing in the barrel. This creates a newsafety feature for firearms.

SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that the firearm cleaning device whichincludes built-in striker cartridges and receptacles for oil and/orsolvent, can be used to clean a firearm easily and conveniently. Inaddition, when the device is not in use it acts (because it resides inthe barrels of a gun) to prevent the possible storage of live ammunitionin a firearm. When the firearm is being fired, the device is easily keptin the shooter's pocket or carrying case.

Furthermore, the firearm cleaning device has the additional advantagesin that:

it provides convenience for transportation.

it provides a built-in safety mechanism for shotguns;

it prevents the gradual shearing off of a gun's firing pin from itsconnecting hammer and deformation to the gun's hammer;

it prevents possible deterioration to the (hammer and firing pin's)spring by allowing a safe and innocuous release of the spring's tension;

Although the description above contains many specificities, this shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the firearm cleaning devicebut as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments of this invention. For example the two units of thisinvention can have other shapes and sizes. Such as the proper shape andsize to accommodate the different calibers and gauges of center firefirearms.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

I claim:
 1. A convenient and economical cleaning and safety device thatis stored inside a firearm barrel comprising: (a) a striker cartridge,comprising a base that conforms to a firearm chamber and a non-deformingsurface with spring energy absorption means, (b) a chemical holdingcontainer that conforms to a firearm chamber and barrel, in shape, (c) arod capable of being secured at variable lengths by a twisting andlocking method capable of force transmission in compression androtation, (d) a cleaning element holding tip, capable of holding largedisposable cleaning elements, (e) an interconnecting means between theabove-listed elements.
 2. A gun cleaning device, the components thereofcomprising: a rigid rod having a first and a second end, a hollowcoaxial cylindrical rod sliding over and attached to said first end ofsaid rigid rod, a container for liquids attached to the second end ofsaid rigid rod, a rod end containing a slotted opening for a cleaningpatch or towel attached to an end of said hollow coaxial cylindricalrod, a flexible ring attached near the end of the rod end containing theslotted opening, a striker cartridge assembly attached to the end ofsaid container for liquids, said gun cleaning device having at least twopositions, including: an extended position for cleaning the gun barreland chamber, and a retracted position for storage within said gunbarrel.